The publicity chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday called for enhanced exchanges in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, at a seminar in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Liu Qibao, head of the publicity department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the International Seminar on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Liu said the initiative has made significant progress over the past three years, yielding results far beyond expectations.

He said countries along the route should show mutual respect and trust, as well as cooperate to build a "green, healthy, intelligent and peaceful" Silk Road.

It is crucial to focus on both economic cooperation and human exchanges when advancing the initiative, Liu said, underlining the importance of coexistence of various cultures and the mutual understanding among peoples.

Specifically, he called on countries along the route to cooperate in education, culture, media, sport and tourism, to create strong public support for the initiative

Countries along the route should make efforts to respect and understand people with different religious and cultural backgrounds, Liu said.

About 300 people from assorted think tanks, media and businesses came to attend the seminar on Sept. 26 to 27 in Xi'an, starting point of the ancient Silk Road.